What is following? Pronunciation and usage in English

following means . Learn how to pronounce and use following through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of following

followingpreposition

/ˈfɒləʊɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of following

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "following." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. The General Sound:

  • The word has a slightly elongated vowel sound, which is key. It's not just a simple "oh" sound.

2. Syllable Breakdown:

  • fol - low - ing – Think of it as three distinct syllables.

3. Pronunciation Step-by-Step:

  • "fol": This part sounds like "full" but with a shorter, quicker "u" sound. It's almost like "fol" as in "golf." (Think: fawl)
  • "low": This is a short, quick "oh" sound, like in "low" or "go". (Think: low)
  • "ing": This is the tricky part! The "i" sound is held slightly longer than a normal "ing." It’s a long “ee” sound, but not as drawn out as “see.” It needs to be consistent throughout the whole word. (Think: ing as in "sing")

4. Putting it Together - The Whole Word:

  • fol-LOW-ing (emphasize the "low")

5. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "follow-ing." The "low" syllable needs to be distinct and pronounced clearly.
  • Avoid diphthongs: Don’t say it like "fol-oo-ing" – the ‘o’ sound needs to be quick and distinct.
  • Listen to native speakers: This is the best way to learn. Search for “how to pronounce following” on YouTube or use online dictionaries (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge) that have audio pronunciation.

Resources for Listening:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English learner, or do you have some experience?

Usage and examples with the word following in English

Let's break down how to use the word "following" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and grammatical functions. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Order & Sequence)

  • Meaning: This is the most common use. It means "coming after" or "subsequent." It indicates that something happens or is arranged in a particular order.
  • Examples:
    • "The following instructions are crucial for assembling the product." (Describes the next thing to do.)
    • "I read the first three chapters, and now I'm following with the rest of the book." (Describes the progression of reading.)
    • "The following events led to a significant change in policy." (Describes what happened next.)
    • "She wore a following of ribbons in her hair." (Describes the ribbons that came after her hair.)

2. As a Gerund (Noun Form of a Verb – "To Follow")

  • Meaning: When used as a gerund, "following" describes the act of following someone or something.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm following her to see where she's going." (Describes the action of trailing.)
    • "The police are following a lead in the investigation." (Describes the investigation process.)
    • "There's a strict rule against following the leader." (Describes the act of imitating someone.)

3. As a Verb (To Pursue, To Continue)

  • Meaning: This is a more active use. It means to pursue someone or something, or to continue doing something after a previous action.
  • Examples:
    • "I will follow you to make sure you're safe." (To pursue.)
    • "Please follow the directions carefully." (To continue doing something.)
    • "Let's follow up on this conversation later." (To continue the discussion.)
    • "The company is following a new marketing strategy." (Continuing a process.)

4. In Phrases and Idioms

  • Following the lead of... – Copying or imitating someone. "She was following the lead of her successful older sister."
  • Following order – A system of rules or procedures. "The military operates under a strict following order."
  • Following the rules – Adhering to regulations. "You must follow the rules of the game.”
  • Following suit – Doing the same thing as someone else. "If he complimented my shirt, I would follow suit."

5. "Following" in Sentences (Examples Combining Different Uses)

  • "Following the instructions carefully is essential for a successful outcome." (Adjective – describing the instructions)
  • "I'm following her, hoping to get a better look at the building." (Gerund – describing the action)
  • "The journalist is following up on a story about corruption." (Verb – continuing the process)
  • "Following the recent rains, the river is overflowing." (Adjective – describing the event that happened afterward)

Key Differences to Remember:

  • "Following" as an adjective describes position in a sequence.
  • "Following" as a gerund describes the action of following.
  • "Follow" as a verb describes the act of pursuing or continuing.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "following" in? (e.g., writing a formal email, speaking casually, a specific subject like business or law?)

Synonyms for the word following

Idioms of the word following

a following wind
(figurative)a wind blowing in the same direction as a ship or other vehicle that helps it move faster
  • With a generous following wind, we sped across the lake.
  • With a bit of luck and a following wind, the project will be completed on schedule.

Practice with vocabulary following

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project team submitted their revised proposal ______ the feedback received from the stakeholders.
  2. Please review the ______ instructions for connecting the new equipment.
  3. The sudden system outage was primarily ______ a critical software malfunction.
  4. All procedures were carried out strictly ______ the detailed instructions provided.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The CEO's announcement, which included major organizational changes, will be explained in detail at the staff meeting. a) Following the CEO's announcement, the details will be explained... b) After the CEO's announcement, the details will be explained... c) Consequent to the CEO's announcement, the details will be explained... d) Regarding the CEO's announcement, the details will be explained...

  2. For your convenience, all necessary forms and documents can be found on this page. a) For your convenience, the next forms and documents... b) For your convenience, the following forms and documents... c) For your convenience, the ensuing forms and documents... d) For your convenience, the subsequent forms and documents...

  3. The severe budget cuts led to significant reductions in staffing levels across the board. a) Following the severe budget cuts, significant reductions occurred... b) Subsequently the severe budget cuts, significant reductions occurred... c) As a consequence of the severe budget cuts, significant reductions occurred... d) In the wake of the severe budget cuts, significant reductions occurred...

  4. Employees must comply with all company regulations regarding data privacy. a) Employees must act in accordance with company regulations... b) Employees must act following company regulations... c) Employees must act subsequently to company regulations... d) Employees must act according to company regulations...

  5. She finished her presentation and then immediately left for her next meeting. a) She finished her presentation, and then she left immediately... b) She finished her presentation; subsequently, she left immediately... c) She finished her presentation, following she left immediately... d) She finished her presentation, after which she left immediately...

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team held a debriefing session after the successful completion of the project. (Rewrite using "following" or related word forms.)
  2. The company will implement several new policies in the next fiscal year. (Rewrite using "following" or related word forms.)
  3. All employees are expected to comply with the instructions given by their immediate supervisor. (Rewrite without using "following", but use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. following
  2. following
  3. due to (or: caused by)
  4. according to (or: in accordance with)

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Following, b) After, c) Consequent to
  2. b) following, c) ensuing, d) subsequent
  3. a) Following, c) As a consequence of, d) In the wake of
  4. a) in accordance with, d) according to
  5. a) and then she left immediately, b) subsequently, d) after which

Exercise 3:

  1. A debriefing session was held following the successful completion of the project.
  2. Following the current fiscal year, the company will implement several new policies.
  3. All employees are expected to act in accordance with the instructions given by their immediate supervisor.

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